New QAIA Terminal Officially Launches Full Operations

AIG has announced the successful launch of the new QAIA terminal's full operations on Thursday 21st March, 2013, following an eight-hour overnight transfer that took place the prior evening.

The transfer began Wednesday night, 20th March, 2013, with the evacuation of the old QAIA terminals and the relocation of all passengers and staff to the new state-of-the-art airport. Upon evacuation, road access to the old terminals was gradually closed, ensuring that all future traffic is directed to Jordan's landmark airport.

The critical process involved strict synchronization between Security, Operations, Maintenance and the EPC contractor. It also encompassed the careful coordination of 4,000 staff, 30 concessionaires, 25 airlines, eight state authorities, six car rental companies and four new car parks, making it one of the largest undertakings in thehistory of the airport.

The transfer process ended when the old terminals' last flight, Dubai-bound Fly Dubai, took off at 10:15 PM Wednesday evening, and the new terminal's first official flight, inbound RJ, landed on Thursday the next day at 11:00 PM. The new airport underwent intense testing for operational readiness prior to the transfer, thus ensuring smooth system integration and flow.

"The official launch of the new Queen Alia International Airport terminal marks an important chapter in Jordan's aviation industry and economic development. With its advanced capabilities, the airport will play a major role in placing Jordan on the map as an ideal choice for leisure and business travelers, as well as a convenient transfer hub, bolstering the kingdom's tourism and business traffic," said AIG CEO Kjeld Binger. "This new national milestone would not have been possible had it not been for the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, and the hard work and dedication of thousands of individuals collaborating together towards a common goal, one that will bring about the prosperity of the entire Jordanian nation. I am very proud of what we have accomplished today, and look forward to great things to come."

Binger went on to thank AIG's partners and employees for "a job beautifully done", and said that AIG's partnership with the Jordanian Government in the implementation of this project represents a model example for successful public-private partnership.

Inaugurated under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II on 14th March, 2013, the new terminal had kicked off its soft opening on 3rd March by running select commercial flights. The 100,000-square-metre building boasts vastly improved infrastructure and cutting-edge facilities that are capable of catering to the steady surge in Jordan's passenger traffic, catapulting QAIA's annual capacity from 3.5 million passengers to 9 million passengers, and later on to 12 million passengers.

The Kingdom's newest terminal is set to introduce an exceptional traveler experience and is equipped with the latest technologies and automation systems to maximize efficiency, security and service quality. It features a larger check-in area, clearly marked signage, modern flight information monitors, comfortable seating, a larger duty-free area and a wider variety of food and beverage outlets, among other greatly enhanced features.